A few hours at the Taj

Ekta and I at the Taj
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It was nothing unusual that we got to Agra later than planned. Firstly the plan was created by Chhillar and we would have needed a helicopter to stick to it. A few other factors contributed, traffic was what we will blame in general but the awesome Pakoras made by Purnima's mom contributed too, but they were totally worth the delay.

The 200 km (130 mile) journey took about 4 hours. At the guest house we were greeted by awesome food that Agra is famous for. After a few minutes with the bride-to-be we decided to pay homage to the Taj, there was going to be just enough time but if we had come all the way to Agra, we had to see the Taj.

Once at the Taj, it was just tranquil

Puru and I sitting by the taj
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It was a short drive, about 3 miles which took 20 minutes on the way up and over an hour on the way back. Driving in Agra is a gut shaking experience and if the trucks and carts are not adventure enough, the traffic police will pull a rabbit out of the hat to make sure you don't get bored. They tried their best and we learned that the old 100 rupee trick works everywhere. (Its one thing relatively immune to inflation).

Once we reached the parking lot of the Taj we were swarmed by vendors and touts with all sorts of ways to get to the monument. Both figuratively and literally, they were going to take us for a ride, so we just walked. Taj is just a short walk from there, contrary to what everyone will tell you, so those rides are worth only for the story you could tell your friends, there could be a cart driven by camels, horses or humans. The price of the ride falls exponentially with time and bargaining.

Just relaxing
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Once at the Taj, it was just tranquil. Chhillar did go on a photo spree but who wouldn't it just is so beautiful. We spend a few hours there just enjoying being there. I don't have many words for how pretty it is and how time just flies sitting there and just relaxing.

It was a long night ahead, with all the fun and dancing of an Indian wedding